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I. Introduction

This case analysis examines the nutritional status of children aged 0-5 and 5-10

years old in households headed by fisherfolk in the Philippines. Fisherfolk communities play

a significant role in the country's coastal areas, providing livelihoods and sustenance through

fishing activities. However, these communities often face numerous challenges that can

impact the health and well-being of their children, including limited access to nutritious food,

poor living conditions, and exposure to extreme events.

The researchers utilized data from the 8th National Nutrition Survey conducted by the

Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and Technology. The study

involved a total of 13,423 young children and 16,398 schoolchildren, and their nutritional

status was evaluated using the World Health Organization Child Growth Standards and

Growth Reference 2007, respectively. The occupational groups were categorized based on

the 1992 Philippine Standard Occupational Classification. Descriptive statistics were used

for profiling the variables, while bivariate analysis, logistic regression, and odds ratios were

employed to examine the correlation between different variables and the nutrition status of

the children. The statistical software Stata 12.0 was utilized for data analysis.

Malnutrition among children is a critical issue in the Philippines, with long-lasting

consequences for their physical and cognitive development. Understanding the specific

nutritional challenges faced by children in fisherfolk households is essential for developing

targeted interventions and improving the overall health outcomes of this vulnerable

population. The study delves into various factors that contribute to the nutritional status of

children in fisherfolk households. It examines the prevalence of undernutrition, such as

underweight, stunting, and wasting, as well as the emergence of overnutrition, including

overweight and obesity. Socioeconomic factors, access to food, health conditions, and the

impact of extreme events are explored to gain a comprehensive understanding of the

nutritional landscape in these communities.

children in fisherfolk households, the study aims to provide valuable insights for

policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to develop targeted

interventions and strategies. Ultimately, addressing the nutritional needs of these children

will contribute to their overall health, well-being, and future prospects, while breaking the

cycle of poverty in fisherfolk communities.

II. Development Issue

Results from the study indicated that households headed by fisherfolks (HHF) had a

higher prevalence of malnutrition among young and school-aged children compared to other

occupational groups. Among young children, the prevalence of malnutrition in HHF was

higher than the overall prevalence in the Philippines, except for overweight. The same

pattern was observed among schoolchildren, except for wasting. Factors such as age of

child, sex, household size, age of the household head (fisherman or farmer), and the type of

toilet (water-sealed) were found to be correlated with stunting, underweight, overweight, and

obesity among children.

Given the results, there exists the pressing development issue of food insecurity in

this community. According to the definition agreed to at the 1996 World Food Summit, “Food

security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient,

safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active

and healthy life”. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations highlights the

significance of food security and the right to food. It is a fundamental human right that should

be accessible to everyone, without any form of discrimination.

It is important to first understand the underlying factors causing the problem so that

proposed solutions and interventions can be designed and implemented more effectively.

Based on the case study, the high prevalence of malnutrition among children in fishing

communities (HHF) can be attributed to multiple factors. Firstly, poor health and living

conditions in HHF contribute to common illnesses that hinder growth and nutritional status.
Secondly, extreme events like typhoons and limited access to nutritious foods in coastal

areas impact the community's nutritional well-being. Thirdly, household socioeconomic

status plays a role, with children from poorer households experiencing worse nutritional

outcomes. Additionally, factors affecting school-aged children differ from younger children,

with household food insecurity, low maternal education, and poor health influencing their

nutritional status. The impact of economic activities on breastfeeding also affects the

nutrition provided to young children. Other factors affecting schoolchildren's nutritional status

include food quality, availability, household size, literacy of food preparers, and household

head. It is worth noting that alongside undernutrition, overnutrition is also observed in fishing

communities, potentially caused by excessive calorie consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and

economic disparities.

Addressing the high prevalence of malnutrition in fishing communities, particularly

among children, is crucial to break the cycle of poverty and improve long-term

socioeconomic and health outcomes. Immediate intervention and investment in the

nutritional status of young children and schoolchildren in fishing communities are necessary

to mitigate the risks associated with poor nutrition and ensure their healthy development.

III. Evaluation

The utilization of evaluation methods such as the Multidimensional Poverty Index

(MPI) can be advantageous in addressing malnutrition. The MPI provides a holistic approach

to measuring poverty by considering multiple dimensions of deprivation, including nutrition.

By incorporating indicators such as child malnutrition, access to healthcare, and living

conditions, the MPI allows for a comprehensive assessment of the factors contributing to

malnutrition and helps identify the most vulnerable groups. This evaluation method helps

policymakers and stakeholders understand the complexity of malnutrition and develop

targeted interventions that address the underlying causes.

More specifically, the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) focuses on specific

dimensions relevant to nutrition and food security, capturing deprivations related to access to
food, nutrition, and other factors crucial for food security. The MPI also often includes

nutrition-specific indicators, providing insights into nutritional well-being and food security.

Finally, the MPI captures overlapping deprivations and the multidimensional nature of

poverty, identifying populations facing multiple challenges, including inadequate nutrition and

food insecurity. Overall, the MPI has specific focus and inclusion of relevant indicators.

By utilizing the MPI, interventions can be designed to address not only the immediate

nutritional needs but also the broader social and economic determinants of malnutrition,

leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes in combating this pressing issue.

IV. Alignment with Sustainable Development

Sustainable development is crucial for addressing the developing issue of food

insecurity in this case study for several reasons. Firstly, sustainable development focuses on

ensuring long-term well-being by balancing economic growth, social development, and

environmental protection. By considering the holistic needs of communities, sustainable

development seeks to address the root causes of issues like malnutrition and food insecurity.

In the case of children in fisherfolk households, sustainable development is vital

because it helps address the underlying factors that contribute to their poor nutritional status.

These factors may include limited access to nutritious food, inadequate healthcare services,

insufficient income and resources, and environmental vulnerabilities associated with coastal

areas. Sustainable development approaches can promote sustainable fishing practices,

enhance food systems, improve healthcare infrastructure, and provide economic

opportunities for fisherfolk communities.

Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger aims to ensure that all individuals

have access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food throughout the year. However, achieving

Zero Hunger requires addressing not only food availability but also issues related to food

access, utilization, and stability. In the context of children in fisherfolk households,

addressing malnutrition and achieving Zero Hunger may involve improving fishing practices,

promoting diversification of livelihoods, enhancing food processing and storage facilities,

access to quality healthcare services.

The challenge lies in implementing comprehensive and sustainable strategies that

address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of children in fisherfolk households. This

requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies,

community organizations, civil society, and the private sector. By integrating sustainable

development principles and addressing the multidimensional aspects of food security and

nutrition, it becomes possible to improve the nutritional status of children in fisherfolk

households and work towards achieving Zero Hunger in a holistic and sustainable manner.

V. Synthesis

Malnutrition among children in fisherfolk communities is a pressing issue that

necessitates targeted interventions. The study reveals that children in these communities

experience high rates of malnutrition, including undernutrition, overnutrition, and

micronutrient deficiencies. Factors such as limited access to nutritious food, poor living

conditions, and exposure to extreme events exacerbate the problem. Addressing

malnutrition is crucial for the immediate well-being of these children and for breaking the

cycle of intergenerational poverty and inequality. Furthermore, this issue aligns closely with

the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of Zero Hunger, which aims to ensure access to

safe and sufficient food for all. Malnutrition hampers children's physical and cognitive

development, hindering progress towards achieving SDG Zero Hunger. Targeted

interventions such as improving food security, promoting sustainable agriculture, and

enhancing nutrition education are vital for addressing malnutrition in fisherfolk communities

and fostering sustainable development.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (n.d.). Food security and the right

to food. Food security and the right to food | Sustainable Development Goals | Food

and Agriculture Organization of the United

Nations.https://www.fao.org/sustainable-development-goals/overview/fao-and-the-20

30-agenda-for-sustainable-development/food-security-and-the-right-to-food/en/

Capanzana, M. V., Aguila, D. V., Gironella, G. M. P., & Montecillo, K. V. (2018). Nutritional

status of children ages 0-5 and 5-10 years old in households headed by fisherfolks in

the Philippines. Archives of Public Health, 76:24.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-018-0267-3

United Nations. (n.d.). Goal 2: Zero Hunger - United Nations Sustainable Development.

United Nations. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/hunger/